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| gland [ gland ] (plural glands) |
noun |
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1. secreting cell mass: in animals, a cell or group of cells that secretes a specific substance. Endocrine glands secrete directly into the bloodstream, while exocrine glands secrete through ducts into a cavity or to the surface of the body.
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2. organ like gland: an anatomical structure that resembles a gland, especially a lymph node
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not in technical usage
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3. plant organ: in plants, a cell or group of cells that secrete substances, e.g. a nectary gland
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| [Late 17th century. Via French< Latin glandula "tonsil" < glans "acorn"] |
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 gland·less adjective |
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